Hendrix College Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Amy

Let your kids live on campus; it makes all the differnce in the world. Make sure they go abroad there are somethings only bought with experience. The world is a big place. Go visit the campuses if you can, its the best way to tell. Go with you gut feeling.

Margaret

In my experience, the best way of finding the school that fits for you takes some time. I would recommend looking at the Princeton Review and US News and World Report to compare different school and become aware of many that you may not have known of before hand. Visiting campus in order to get a feel for the atmosphere of the college and the people on campus is very important. Often times you may feel confident about the academics, the size, location, cost, etc. and yet, when you visit you develop an entirely new sense of what the school is able to offer you. This chance to add a new dimension to your search and really get a feel for the people that you will be living and learning with for the next 4 years of your life is very important in making a decision. I would also suggest making an appointment to speak to some of the professors in your area of interest as well as admissions/financial councelors at the institution to become aware of different opportunities you may be able to take advantage of. Good luck with your search!

chelsey

The most important advice for any incoming student is to ask questions. Asking questions about classrooms, professors, social life, career opportunities, and extra-curricular activities is very important. Finding an upperclassman that is involved on campus and interested in the same major is an excellent way to become informed. Watching for important emails and keeping tabs on current events around campus is also a good way to stay involved and avoid missing any opportunities through the college. Get involved and ask questions!

Shauna

The most important thing to look for is a university that matches your personality both on a social and academic level; and there are universities out there of every possible social-academic ratio. What is absolutely crucial is that you also challenge yourself to grow as an individual on both of these levels: pick a university where you are capable of the social and academic standards, but that also forces you outside of your comfort zone. Constantly strive for ways to challenge your notions and ideals about culture, friendship, morality, and life in general. Don't get too wrapped up in one particular aspect of college life, whether it be social, academic or some other contingent. The most satisfying reward is to look back, several years later, and see the creation and evolution of a conscious, analytical and well-rounded individual. I guarantee, you'll be ready and capable for absolutely anything.

Alexa

Its expensive but totally worth it.

Katie

I think that my visits were the most important part. When you find the right school you feel at home the second you step on campus. I thought it was too good to be true so I continued to visit colleges to see if I caould recreate the feeling, but it only happened in one place, and I am so happy that is where I chose to go.

Kelsey

When you are looking for a college make sure that all of the people involved in the next four years of your college experience--other students, faculty, staff, and administration--share or are supportive of your goals. If the administration wants you to become a wealthy doctor or lawyer so that you can become a wealthy alumnus and donor and that isn't your goal, you may still feel alienated despite brillant professors and wonderful friends. A college that doesn't share your goals will let you slip through the cracks.

Brittney

Listen to yourself, not your friends. Only you know what college is right for you. Don't go somewhere because of your friends or your fears; listen (and follow) your gut. If you do end up going somewhere that a lot of your friends, or people you know from high school go ,then really get out and try to make new friends. Don't just hang out with them exclusively because it's comfortable. If you don't, then people won't reach out to you because they'll assume you've already made friends. Also, don't hesitate to get involved in student life as soon as you arrive on campus. Get involved with programs, or start your own! Become aware of all that your campus has to offer as soon as you can so that you can start taking advantage of it as soon as possible. Most importantly, enjoy yourself (responsibly of course).

Sarah

Visit the campus more than once. And parents, don't worry about the partying. Every school has it, so it's up to the student how often they're going to participate.

Dominique

Be sure to visit the school before you go. Make a list of all the questions you can think of and don't be afraid to ask them. If possible, try to visit the school more than once. Try the official guided tour and them maybe have a student show you around or spend the night as a prospect, so you can get a feel of the school from different perspectives.